Cofinimmo SA/NV

Profiel

Founded in 1983, Cofinimmo is today the foremost listed Belgian real estate company specialising in rental property and an important player in the European market. The company owns a diversified property portfolio spread over Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany, worth 3.4 billion EUR, representing a total surface area of over 1,802,000 m². Riding on demographic trends, its main investment segments are healthcare properties (45 %), offices (38 %) and distribution networks (16 %). As an independent company that consistently applies the highest corporate governance and sustainability standards, Cofinimmo services its tenants and manages its properties through its team of 130 people, operating from Brussels, Paris and Breda. Cofinimmo is listed on Euronext Brussels (BEL 20) and benefits from the fiscal REIT regime in Belgium (RREC), in France (SIIC) and in the Netherlands (FBI). Its activities are controlled by the Financial Services and Markets Authority, the Belgian regulator. At 31.03.2017, its total market capitalisation stands at 2.3 billion EUR. The company pursues investment policies which seek to offer a high dividend yield and capital protection over the long term, targeting both institutional and private investors.

Ambities

9. Innovation and infrastructure

As a major player in the Belgian real estate market, Cofinimmo must be visionary and contribute to the debate on future real estate needs. The company integrates as best as possible society’s major trends in its strategy, protects itself from an accelerated obsolescence of buildings and preserves its economic sustainability. Innovative solutions are needed to create new opportunities for growth and ensure the sustainability of the current portfolio.

11. Sustainable cities and communities

Mobility has a direct impact on accessibility and, therefore, on the appeal of buildings. Growing vehicle traffic is making city travel more difficult and is creating discomfort for residents through increased air pollution and noise. The use of electric vehicles in response to this problem also requires the installation of specific equipment such as charging stations.
The location of Cofinimmo’s buildings, the number of parking spaces available, and the proximity of public transport are determining criteria for tenant-clients.

13. Climate action

Buildings must have optimal energy performances to limit the CO2 emissions generated by their use.
Starting in 2020, all new buildings built in Europe must meet passive standards. This has provided an opportunity for Cofinimmo to differentiate itself by anticipating the legislation. Better-performing buildings from an energy standpoint are commercially more attractive. They provide occupants with both more comfort and lower charges. However, it should be noted that the approach differs depending on the segment. In the office segment, Cofinimmo is often involved in both the construction/renovation phase and in the day-to-day management of a majority of buildings. This situation enables it to influence energy consumption from the time the building is occupied. In the other segments, its involvement is limited to raising tenant awareness. Building occupants are responsible for their own energy consumption. Cofinimmo’s involvement is sometimes limited to exchanging data.